Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In-Depth

RB Jun 29th, 2005 Link

AWD would be a very kool addition.

Allan Jun 29th, 2005 Link

AWD is nice, but a RWD is even cooler..

Lets get sideways..

Kurt Gillespie Jun 29th, 2005 Link

4WD with a John Cooper Works kit would just be the **!

Pete/MyMini Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Do we smell another Monte Carlo attempt cooking up here? Hmmmmm…

Lawrence Jun 29th, 2005 Link

AWD + JCW + ultralight parts = PermaGrin

O(=^=)O Capn "Freudeam Fahren" Jun 29th, 2005 Link

“Freudeam Fahren”!!!!!!!!!

O(=^=)O Capn \\\"Freudeam Fahren\\\" Jun 29th, 2005 Link

“seven at one blow”!

Phil aka Greatbear Jun 29th, 2005 Link

BUT! Can it be retrofitted? X-D

Ian F Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Pretty cool. I wonder how difficult it would be to retrofit such a system to an existing MINI… it looks as if th PTU simply bolts onto the existing transmission… would need to swap out a different exhaust system … mount the rear differential… Hmm..

Josh Wardell Jun 29th, 2005 Link

I look forward to the day in my dreams when this is a bolt-on kit!

Hey Gertrag do you need any beta testers? :)

dgszweda Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Take the Twinster and add the twincharged and what do you get? One of the fastest cars on the planet. 400hp in a 4WD car with 2600lbs. Yeah!

Aniawn Jun 29th, 2005 Link

AWD + Lightweight MCS + JCW = A warm fuzzy sensation inside me ;D

rbm4 Jun 29th, 2005 Link

I think that MINI should find a way to compete in the World Rally Championship. That would be SWEET!

Gabe Jun 29th, 2005 Link

My question is this:

How many of you would consider buying a AWD MCS that starts out around $24,000? Would you option it up like your current MCS – IE – would you pay more than $30,000 for a car with the same power output as a regular MCS when you could get a FWD JCW for a couple of grand more?

Just curious.

Scott Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe – if an AWD MCS was available, I’d buy one. I’d still option it up about the same – JCW + 3 pks. Probably lose a little bit of power in drivetrain loss, but I’d be able to better use the power of a JCW.

David Bunting Jun 29th, 2005 Link

I’d much rather have an AWD MCS at $24k (optioned to about $28k to $30k) than a $30k Lightweight FWD version that has had 400 lbs removed from it at the cost of its daily driver ability.

Gabe Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Okay… then how about this scenario:

AWD JCW MINI Cooper S starting at $30,000.

Follow-up: At what point does a car like this with a high base price go against what the brand stands for?

mataku Jun 29th, 2005 Link

never… more is better =)

I mean, they low cost options are still available. If anything this would blur the lines between the luxury cars and everyman’s car.

kimgee Jun 29th, 2005 Link

That is why Evos and STi are in 4-Doors, with a trunk, and 5 seats…

Ofcause, if AWD JCW Mini is available @ 30K, some people will buy it. But will the demand enough for BMW? I dont know, but how many JCW Mini are over 35K (out the door) these days?

Greg W Jun 29th, 2005 Link

“Hang on a minute lads, I’ve got an idea!” Perhaps some enterprising Tuning company will do a deal with Getrag and make a conversion kit – wishful thinking? Of course a 4WD Mini was made by John Cooper, and when he crashed this it nearly killed him, and lead to his withdrawal of the Cooper team from Formula One. Read about John Cooper’s Twini at this link; http://groups.msn.com/MiniFanClub/thetwini.msnw

Kurt Gillespie Jun 29th, 2005 Link

I think a $30k JCW + 4WD MCS would be a great addition to the line… it would raise the mini image I think rather than drop it by putting in a car that is 50% more expensive then they currently sell…

I would LOVE to see MCS’s start dominating the racing circuit… (just have to pick the right tires so you can actually get to racing, hehe)

Robert Jun 29th, 2005 Link

“Is it retrofittable?”

Obviously it is..

They didn’t install it on a 2007 MINI. Just takes time and money….

Chris M Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe raises an excellent question. My take is that an AWD JCW Mini Cooper S costing $30K would be a fine addition, as long as cheaper/simpler choices were still available. If production line costs made this impossible, then I’d prefer the current lineup to a lineup with, say, just Mini Coopers and one premium model that cost nearly $30K.

The best plan for the customer would be a product line that includes models like today’s at similar prices, an AWD MCS without JCW, and then finally the full monty.

Part of the ‘giant killer’ reputation of the old Mini (as well as the new) was how much performance one could get for the money, not just small size and cute looks. (Take a look at the current issue of Automobile magazine, for example.) Take that aspect away and you’ve killed the appeal of the Mini for a lot of people.

kurt collins Jun 29th, 2005 Link

I would so buy one of these! It would make me never miss my WRX STi ever again! :-)

The pricing difference between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in the BMW 3 series models is a good benchmark of what I’d expect to pay for an all-wheel drive MINI.

dgszweda Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe,

I think $24,000 would be a steal. At $30,000 with 210hp it would still be a very good deal. Remember the R32 (the only other 4WD hatch) sold for more.

KE3VP Jun 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe, do you think a JCW MCS w/ 4WD could be a real contender in the european performance rallies?

Gabe Jun 29th, 2005 Link

I’m not sure if the current car would comply with the minimum length rules for some rally series.

As far as the WRC – I would highly doubt that BMW is interested in sinking serious cash it to yet another motorsport series since they just bought into F1 to the tune of over $300 million. Unless of course the FIA can turn WRC into a much lower cost racing series… which I somehow doubt.

All that said I think MINI will soon need to get serious about racing. The brand could always use a bit more soul.

Ralph Jun 30th, 2005 Link

I think $24,000 would be a steal. At $30,000 with 210hp it would still be a very good deal.

========================================

$30,000 for a Mini Cooper is way to high. If I were going to spend 30k I’d buy a BMW 3 Series, or an Audi or a fully loaded PT Crusier. I enjoy my Mini, but no way would I pay 30K for a Mini (add dealer markup, Tax & Lic and it will cost almost 34k). The whole point of Mini Coopers are quality – Low Cost – Safety – & fun to drive.

Once the 30k level is reached where will BMW stop with the price increases? The “Got to have regardless what it costs” atittude of consumers is what causes Automakers and Dealers to get any price they want regardless if the product is worth it or not.

dgszweda Jun 30th, 2005 Link

Ralph,

This is no different than the VW Golf and very good global selling hatchback. A low end Golf competes in price point with the Cooper (but not performance wise), and their AWD R32 goes for $33,000. So this would be similiar and I think it would compete. The other thing is that in the rest of the world hatchbacks are hot, especially hi-performance hatchbacks. And $32,000 for an AWD hatchback is very competitive with the others out there (VW R32, Audi A3 Quattro…)

Wierd Bob Jun 30th, 2005 Link

I would not have a problem paying a premium for an AWD version. OK so its alot of money to pay for a small car but its not so much money to pay for incredible performance. How much would you have to pay to get that performance and fun from a premium car? I reckon a JCW AWD could beat the pants of an M3 in anything other than a straight line top speed race.

Gabe Jun 30th, 2005 Link

If I were going to spend 30k I’d buy a BMW 3 Series, or an Audi or a fully loaded PT Crusier.

That last one is just a joke right??

Paul C. Jun 30th, 2005 Link

Oh god Gabe, here we go again with the R32 comparo…… People don’t talk about a car you don’t know anything about, R32. Everybody here hates when people become misinformed about the Mini, well I see a lot of the same with the R32. I DRIVE both a Mini and an R32, very different cars and I could see how a Mini AWD can easily become $33K plus with the options that the R32 has. Let’s just leave it at an AWD Mini would be absolutely KICK ASS and go from there. Hope BMW makes it, NO FLAME THROWING INTENDED!!! :)

Gabe Jun 30th, 2005 Link

I didn’t start it :)

Brian Jun 30th, 2005 Link

PT What???

Ralph Jun 30th, 2005 Link

If I were going to spend 30k I’d buy a BMW 3 Series, or an Audi or a fully loaded PT Crusier.

That last one is just a joke right??

========================================

PT What???

=======================================

A joke? Well, could be. :-)

The intent of my comment/post was to say not everyone can afford 30K+. For me that would be a stretch (a big stretch). My ‘04 Mini cost me 23K with most of the options I wanted, which was 3k more then I wanted to pay, but it was still within my budget.

I had to drop some options that I wanted to get it to that price. (Multi function Steering wheel, On-board Computer)

There are always people who can afford 30k+, but again make the Mini too pricey and it becomes limited to selected groups of comsumers. Sure if AWD version were an option and a non AWD was the standard with all other options still avaiable that would be ok, but as I’ve seen in the last two years Mini has slowly increased the base price and either eliminated options or made more items an option instead of standard equipment.

I could see that happenening with future Mini’s if and when a AWD is brought out. BMW/Mini will have a regular/standard Mini, but it will have mininal standard equipment and everything else will be options (and limited too). If a person wants more options you’d have to buy the AWD edition. They’ve already done that with the Coupe vs the S Cooper.

No S-Lites for Coupe, no body color for dash for Coupe, certain body colors not available for Coupe.

For those that want an AWD great, I just hope Mini keeps it’s base model affordable with lots of standard equipment and lots of options/choices available.

One final comment/quesiton. With Mini’s great handling, ability to corner and responsive steering is an AWD really needed? With DSC and Traction Control available option why the need for a AWD Mini?

Scott Jun 30th, 2005 Link

Ralph – have you ever driven a JCW MCS? DSC just causes the car to bog down because it is so easy to smoke the tires. Put AWD in a JCW MCS and it would be absolutely awesome.

And I agree with you – they’ve got to keep a entry level well-equipped model at a reasonable price. More appeal across a broader range. The more MINIs on the road – the better. Get rid of the road barge SUVs.

Allan Jun 30th, 2005 Link

One final comment/quesiton. With Mini’s great handling, ability to corner and responsive steering is an AWD really needed? With DSC and Traction Control available option why the need for a AWD Mini?

===================================

Ralph: Did you read and understand the powerpoint presentation? I don’t know about you, but the prformance figures of the twinster make my mouth water. Theres an obvious huge advantage and permagrin factor we could experience with this technology. And yeah, there are lots of times in my 05 MCS where I can’t keep my front wheels from roasting and don’t want to deal with the bogging down effect of the electronic nanny (DSC). Love my MCS but bring on the AWD!

Ralph Jul 1st, 2005 Link

Ralph – have you ever driven a JCW MCS? DSC just causes the car to bog down because it is so easy to smoke the tires. Put AWD in a JCW MCS and it would be absolutely awesome.

======================================== Did you read and understand the powerpoint presentation?

========================================

I have never driven a MCS nor a MC/S with JCW. Yes I did read/view the PDF PP Presentation. Did I understand it? Well to be honest some of it was Greek to me.

I do understand the advantages of AWD and what it can do for a vehicle.

I have nothing against Mini bringing out an AWD version, so long as they don’t neglect the base MC.

Since I live in CA (Bay Area) I don’t drive in snow, I use my MC for City driving and straight road Fwy/Hwy driving (to work). I don’t do much winding/curve road driving. For me to have an AWD MC (or other vehicle) is not advantagous or worth spending 30K for.

True Scott, Mini needs to have a broad range of Mini’s. They do in GB, but not in the USA. I guess they think having various models will not sell in U.S.

So for all those folks and Mini enthusiasts that really want an AWD model I hope Mini brings one out.

The more options & models the better for all of us.

Kaelaria Jul 2nd, 2005 Link

For a few grand more I would trade in my 05 MCS in a heartbeat! I LOVE my car but that would be the best!

Golf_Lover Jul 8th, 2005 Link

“This is no different than the VW Golf and very good global selling hatchback. A low end Golf competes in price point with the Cooper (but not performance wise), and their AWD R32 goes for $33,000. So this would be similiar and I think it would compete. The other thing is that in the rest of the world hatchbacks are hot, especially hi-performance hatchbacks. And $32,000 for an AWD hatchback is very competitive with the others out there (VW R32, Audi A3 Quattro…)”

You are wrong… You can get a Golf cheaper than a mini with the 1.8T motor spend $500 by adding a chip and make roughly 200whp with 230lbs tq to the wheels and still only spend $18,000!

Gabe Jul 8th, 2005 Link

Spoken like someone who hasn’t a clue…

Mark_Civic Type R Sep 3rd, 2005 Link

I think golfs are horrendous to drive, apart from the r32 as i’ve owned many in the past.

i dont know about what u guys have in america, but i drive a civic type r, because of the weight difference, i waste the r32 in a straight line upto maybe 100mph.

so all you golf enthusiasts need to try something new, not an overweight lard ass golf that handles like my grandmothers zimmerframe.

Ive seen the light with regards to the civic type r (200bhp standard FWD), yet the mini cooper s works that we have in london, seems to beat the type r all round.

And with regards to chipping a standard golf to get 200hp, that is a load of rubbish, yet if its possible, id still rather drive a taxi, cos they can at least turn.

For a price comparison for u guys, the honda civic type r is £16000 on the road, the golf R32 is £32000, and the JCW mini is £24000.

from all this info, i would definitely take the JCW mini over anything. but maybe need some insight into everyday use b4 i part my civic in?

is the supercharger reliable? and does it really handle that good? no understeer?

lemme know guys, cos i’m actually drooling over the thought of a JCW right now.

Mark (London UK)

Mark_Civic Type R Sep 3rd, 2005 Link

oh another thing, is there any power lag across the rev range?

sorry for ignorance

Mark

Gabe Sep 3rd, 2005 Link

Mark – FYI – the US doesn’t get the extra fast Civic Type R that you do.

Andrew Sep 15th, 2005 Link

I want one… a high powered AWD Mini to take on an Evo… bring it on!!!

Luke K Sep 15th, 2005 Link

AWD MINI? Definitly one of the best ideas yet. With the new engine due out in 2007 (turbo anyone?), an AWD MINI would be the ultimate rally car, not that it’s not a good one already. More Power + AWD + light weight = much laughter at the finish line when the new eclipse realizes that no car will ever bow to it ( the new eclipse, with the v6, does 0-60 in just about the same time the 160hp Cooper S does . . . imagine how much ownage an AWD Mini would have on that piece)

Paul Sep 20th, 2005 Link

anyway… AWD in a cooper would be grerat. I have a 2004 cooper S and live in the mtns. it would sure help in the snow. The diffrence between a 330xi and 330ci is only about $2000. I would gladly pay that for AWD in the cooper. (mabey twice that) The cooper would need some more power to deal with the mass though. A 2.0L engine would help. Better yet just make the body from aluminum and composites to offset the added mass. If BMW builds an AWD Cooper Ill buy 2.

Paul Sep 20th, 2005 Link

hey mark, I dont know what they are charging in the uk for R32s but i could have got one here in the us for $28000 and last I checked the british pound was about $1.70 so Im confused. also I paied $26000 for my 04 Cooper S much less than 24000 pounds. Also if your racing R32s in your civic and winning….they are not racing back!

Dan Cameron Sep 21st, 2005 Link

Is the Twinster system for sale? Because if so I’d buy one in a heartbeat. ~Dan

Jay Sep 22nd, 2005 Link

Can you say “losing wrinkles?”

KiKaZ Sep 27th, 2005 Link

the mini is just unbelievable… it comes with features, quoted from miniusa*, “as a sports car would or should have”.the 2002 model in the kelly blue book, used and w/ 50k mi. still runs for $20,000, so the mini is a great investment… and ofcourse the mini should come in a awd model, that would be awesome for us racers…you guys know we didn’t just buy the mini for its good looks, but also because it is an all out performer. i love this car and lets just hope an awd model comes out or atleast an addition will soon be available. thanx you guys for all your inputs, it was great info and support. keep the mini love alive and going strong.

DON’T THINK LARGE…THINK mini

much luv________KiKaZ

Me Sep 28th, 2005 Link

Mark…..But yet my Mini takes out a type r. So whats your point. Its just another Honda which everyone has…..A Mini is unique and you dont see them ALL over the place.

Al Rondeau Oct 10th, 2005 Link

I want 2, where do I sign, I just bought a new 05 MCSc and was trying to convince my wife to buy one, we have 6 vehicles, 2 MCS AWD would replace 5 of them, she has a Z28 and a Jimmy for the Winter, I have a ZR1 and an Envoy for the winter, but bought the MINI as my daily commute but I also have an old beater I take to work because I find the cement powder to harsh on my new MINI, but give me an AWD Mini and I’d buy a car cover and drive it all year around, no more SUV, no more beater, no more Z28 and Jimmy, that would be so cool having only 3 cars in the garage instead of 6 and small ones that is, WOO HOO!!!, where do I sign, GIME! GIME! GIME! I want 2 and I want them now!

Colin_P Oct 16th, 2005 Link

I have been / am / and will continue to be obsessed with a RWD or AWD Mini cooper. However, I have a few questions/opinions.

First- most people should realise that the image of a RWD Mini as portrayed in the PDF was in a two-sided coin fashion. What I mean is, they push oversteer in a negative light, and speak of sliding out in corners, and yet, name me one highperformanc RWD car that doesn’t want to kick the back end out at 90MP/H.

Secondly- A JCW kit on an AWD, or better yet, a Turbo’d/super’d Mini would be amazing (it’s been done – http://www.cardomain.com)

Third- While having this option as an aftermarket one, with Mini willing to back up their JCW package – the term ‘warrenty’ comes to mind (I would sure hate to loose it due to a AWD conversion). This can however go both ways in that Mini may do somehting to the design to tone it down (as they say with the JCW package – it’s a [*key word here] SAFE way to enhanse your Mini –

Fourth- Has anyone contacted Getrag about their project? I’d like to hear what the designers themselves actuially have to say about their creation, as opposed to looking at skewed graphs (I say skewed because if you advertise your product negatively, you might as well catch the next train out of there).

Colin P.

Berthil Dec 5th, 2005 Link

Getrag has published a press release about the Twinster technique. MINI is not mentioned in it but I assume it is the same technique as used in the MINI:

rex james Dec 8th, 2005 Link

Gidday from Australia,,, lets just get to it !!!! release the AWD – with a 2.0 Lt supercharged motor… Mini should be lookin at giving the oposition a damn good run for their money !!!!! And if you really want it…you will pay for it!!!

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Year in Review Dec 31st, 2005 Link

[...] 5. Getrag’s All Wheel Drive MINI In-Depth [...]

Ras427 Jan 25th, 2006 Link

i have a 2006 MCS.
i would love to see a AWD MINI S and wouldn’t think twice about paying 24000 for a base model as long as its residual value remained!

my S is at the dealers right now getting the JCW put into it!!!!
i couldnt resist the the kit even though i wont get back close to what i pay for it when i sell my car. thats a luxuary and i will loose money at resale.

the AWD in a lot of places is more of a necessity than a luxuary(especially if you drive the car every day). the AWD system will maintain its resale value just like all other coopers (except JCW).

we got 2-4″ of snow the other day, my mini’s first snowfall!!!

while my MCS handles great in any weather it deffinately cant barrel through even 2″ without loosing grip. it feels safe and still a blast to drive but leaves a lot to be desired in a snowstorm.
all i could think of was how much fun it would be to be ripping through the snow in an AWD MCS!!!! (im deffinately spoiled because my last 2 cars were Audis that rocked it in the snow) . the people who think AWD can be done without probably are never in snow! i would love to see a AWD MINI S and wouldn’t think twice about paying 24000 for a base model as long as its residual value remained!

Paul Jan 26th, 2006 Link

There is more to it than just blasting through the snow. I live in the mountains and deal with snow every year. When it does snow the cooper stays in the garage and we take the jeep everywhere. I would love to buy an AWD cooper! (It would still sleep in the garage in the winter, it’s all the cinders and crap they dump on the roads that tears up your car) The advantages on all kinds of roads and conditions are worth the price. Hit a small patch of ice, rain, oil, sand….and AWD can save your butt! The Greatest advantage to AWD (in my opinion) is that you can EFFECTIVLY put much more power to the ground in an AWD car than you can in either a FWD or even an RWD car. …..I can hear the screaming now…”But the Enzo and Mclearen F-1 put down over 600 Hp and both are RWD!” Yes I know. I’m not saying that RWD doesn’t work I just saying AWD allows any given car to use its power more effectively. Besides we will NEVER see a factory RWD Cooper. BMW obtained Mini so they could make a FWD car. AWD is our only hope so visit your mini dealer and ask when you can buy one. Also I would love to see a 2.0L or 2.2L motor (what’s BMW’s obsession with 1.6L?). All aluminum, DOHC, 16/20V, built by BMW, maybe by M division for the top of the line Cooper. They could base it on the 4cyl they already have. So let’s see to sum up…2.0L, all aluminum, 220HP, AWD, sub 2500lbs. Let’s call it the Cooper R. R for RALLY, as in WRC! I want to see Coopers flying through the air in Scandinavia.

MinMax Jan 31st, 2006 Link

I’m wondering when we might see kit to retrofit this to our MCSs. I’d definitely be interested. Said in the presentation, “Commercially available”. Wonder what they mean by that? If you find any answer to this, please post them. Would love to realize my Dream car. Tks, MinMax

Rick Feb 12th, 2006 Link

I have just covered 7000kms in 6 days in a MCS JCW. I took part in the Arctic Challenge 2006. This is a speed limited rally. The rally covered 3 stretches. 1) Non stop Holland – Akaslompolo: Finland (3000km) 2) Finland – Sweden – Norway – Finland: (1500km) 3) Akaslompolo Finland – Holland: (3000km) Needless to say I found out what the limitations of a frontwheel drive are. I absolutely would want to realise Getrags solution on my car.

As to marketing concerns indeed sales volume might be limited. However what about a retrofit kit like JCW for those who want it? One could then have an efficient production at the same time secure market demand in niches. If it would grow one might take it into production again, just like the JCW set. I might be wrong but it seems that the whole game is about satisfying consumer demand, not realising marketeers dreams.

The fact that Mini stands for front wheel drive only is marketing bull shit. Mini stands for people who love to drive a fun to drive car. Mini stands for mobile enjoyment without the signalling need to other people that the driver is succesfull (like BMW/Audi) So if Mini are able to offer differentiating cars this will remain a growing brand. If Mini cash on their perceived brand identity with the next generation it will be a car for style lovers only.

MotoringFile » Archive » More on Audi’s “MINI Killer” Mar 12th, 2006 Link

[...] We at MotoringFile welcome Audi’s new MINI competitor. For one, competition in the form of a small AWD hatch may finally push MINI to release a car with Getrag’s very trick Twinster AWD system that MINI owners have been clamoring for. Further, competition from another premium car maker would probably put pressure to on MINI to both keep power and quality on an upward trend. Neither of which can be a bad thing. [...]

Marvin Mar 15th, 2006 Link

The AWD unit, at least in kit form, is not being produced yet. The GETRAG components are off the shelf parts for existing applications. There has been a second car retrofitted with the AWD setup, this one in the US. There were also some tuning enhancements for the engine. Watch out for that red one down south!

Gabe Mar 15th, 2006 Link

If Getrag wants to generate some buzz… let me drive it and review it on this site. MINI owners everywhere will be clamoring for it.

Minian Mar 16th, 2006 Link

I love my car, since the day I purchased it I felt I would never sell it. Well as soon as I read the PDF about the twinster I knew that I would part with “My-T-Maus.” Then I thought “why should I have to part with my car?” Getrag took an existing platform and added its product to it. Why can’t we have a “bolt-on” and add it to our already loved cars?
I don’t know about you guy’s, but as soon as I get the pinks for my car it will be twin charged. If I were able to add a twinster to lets saaayyyyyy 350hp, Oh my god!!! R30what?!! Evo who?!! Boxter???? whaaa haahaaa

MrSpocksSon Apr 29th, 2006 Link

SIGN ME UP!

I have a 2003 MCS, and I have been on the fence about getting a new car. I keep checking out other car companies, but the MCS (with all the new refinements since 2003) keep it in the running.

Ever since I read about the AWD a number of months ago on this site, I have waited to see if this would be an option. FWIW, I am still not sold on the new 07 interior and exterior mods. I think I would cry if I found out that Chris Bangle is in charge of MINI designs. The interior does have a hint of his philosophy with touches of the Z4 interior showing through. Call me old school, but I cannot look at the new Bimmers, so my only choice is the MINI.

If Bright Yellow and AWD showed back up on the MINI website I would immediately be at the dealer ordering my new MCS w/ AWD.

HondaKiller Jun 29th, 2006 Link

Well if everyones interested in having/owning the AWD Conversion Kit for the mini then the mini community should gather up and let BMW, Mini and GETRAG know that the people want this AWD Conversion Kit. The more people jump on the AWD Mini bandwagon! The more they realize that the people want the AWD Conversion Kit the more they will realize that they will have to satisify their customers or risk losing possible customers and/or sales and shit like that!

If we the people want AWD in the Minis then damn it we should have them. or at least the Conversion Kit! Let the voice of the Mini owners/enthusiast be heard!!

P.S Is there going to be any electronics and/or complicated systems involved with the mini, if any BMW/Mini needs to take care of those issues. That way the only thing the Mini owner needs to worry about is retrofitting the AWD Conv. Kit!

Ad:Friends dont let other friends drive pieces of shit!!!

Mike Oct 26th, 2006 Link

Wow, an AWD Mini. Perhaps Mini is going to venture out and see what they can accomplish if they were to start a WRC racing team. As long as 60% of the power goes to the rear wheels, it will be a great platform.

MotoringFile » 2006 » December » 31 Dec 30th, 2006 Link

[...] Previous MF Features 2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller 2007 US Market Options Packages Hey Stracco: The Interview Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI Let’s Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS MINI’s Official R56 Preview Photos MINI’s Official R56 Preview Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2) ‘07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley 2007 MINI Color List (US Market) ‘07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing JCW Cooper S Long Term Review Seven New Colors for 2007 Getrag’s All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth MINI USA’s JCW GP Delivery Program MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines Chicago Autoshow Gallery JCW GP at Geneva (final release info) 2006 JCW Product Info MINI Concept Detroit – In Detail MINI Concept Tokyo – In Detail MINI Concept Frankfurt – In Detail Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland 2006 JCW Accessories US Market Color Changes for 2006 BMW/MINI to Buy JCW? Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing Special Editions/Package for 2006 Checkmate Options Package (USA) JCW Direct From to the Factory in ‘06 Tips on How to Sell Your MINI 2006 Model Year Timeline MINI’s 2006 Color Changes Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI Official MINI Armrest Revealed MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest 2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide 2005 MINI Changes The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery Special Edition MC40 / Gallery MINI Plant Tour Review Hood Rub Service Bulletin 2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery [...]

ALI Jan 23rd, 2007 Link

do you think that there can be a conversion kit built for a honda civic coupe 1996-2000?

Ashton Jan 23rd, 2007 Link

The twinster on the new mini with power tuned up to 300hp easily reached thanx to the turbo… i can’t wait to be next to a porsche :D

Bilbo Baggins Feb 3rd, 2007 Link

Just found this article. Great work Gabe. Another, “Well done!!!” for you.

IT sound delicious. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Twinster will be made available in the R56 MCS, without saddling it with other expensive options.

Chris Mar 12th, 2007 Link

WOW! I’ve looked into all wheel drive for my car for a little while and just came across this. I have to know what they use so I can make a Mini AWD. I fancy the rallye golf and sport quattros, but an AWD Mini? forgedaboudit!!!

Steven Apr 30th, 2007 Link

I would SELL everything to buy a AWD MINI COOPER S…even if i dont have the money lol. It would be must cooler and faster. Imagine making it twincharged with 400hp and remove the back seats. It would compete realy fast and exotic cars(porsches, ferraris).

GermanGuy May 16th, 2007 Link

Please dont interchange VW with BMW. VW = Volkswagen (a car for the masses) BMW = Freude am fahren… (ya know what I mean)

No way BMW releases something like an FWD car that has a connection to the rear axle (R32). It is more likely that the AWD Mini comes with an AWD system that empethizes the back axle. So it would be more like the EVO not like R32!

victor Sep 18th, 2007 Link

I say ” build it they will come” i would pay up to 35k for an AWD MCS then just add some lil after market tuning and look out. Damb just tell me where i could buy a kit for my MCS or send me the parts ill feild test it for you. Lord knows i been testing my MCS now and i find it needs an AWD system. Just look how fast the JCW GP mini’s went and they just lost the back seat got a few number stickers exclusive wheels and a wing oh ya and like 20 hp moore. I think i added 20hp to my MCS just by putting air in my tires. J/K but We the MCS drivers NEED an AWD system PLeese make it available.

MotoringFile » Archive » Car Magazine Reports on the MINI Crossover Feb 9th, 2008 Link

[...] The MINI crossover code-named R60 and often referred to (internally) as the Colorado get a bit of an expose this month at Car Magazine. According to Car the all-wheel drive system was designed by Getrag, the company some MF readers may remember had produced an AWD R53 test vehicle as a prototype a few years back. [...]

Car Magazine Reports on the MINI Crossover « Mickey and Mini’s Weblog Feb 12th, 2008 Link

[...] The MINI crossover code-named R60 and often referred to (internally) as the Colorado get a bit of an expose this month at Car Magazine. According to Car the all-wheel drive system was designed by Getrag, the company some MF readers may remember had produced an AWD R53 test vehicle as a prototype a few years back. [...]

victor May 5th, 2009 Link

AWD!!!Awd!!!!Awd!!!! MINI needs awd. I own an 06 mcs with just a couple of minor upgrades and found for the MINI tuner crowd to really enjoy there MINI mods they/we definatly need an awd MINI. I have other performance parts but haven’t installed them due to lack of traction. you just can’t get the MINI fwd to hook up. oh ya and some kind of tinny ultra light spare tire wouldn’t be a bad idea. and gp parts over the counter would be nice. MINI wouldn’t sell me the gp wing :( the only wing that looks nice on the car. id also like to buy the gp side skirts. back to thw awd id rather buy a awd kit for my MINI than some extra wide front tires that will make it look like it deformed. make a kit available or give us some parts #’s or list I wouldn’t want to trade my MINI 06 for one of those look alike 07 and up MINI’s. the only good thing about the big goon is the turbo and streight out exaust. If you ask me the new design looks MINI but is a s%&t design. if I was incharge of MINI production. the new07 and up MINI would go back to the drawing board. although the clubman is done well. keep redoing it and your gonna have a one of them really big ford things. MINI should sue ford for selling a big goon version. I could sit here for ever talking about what would be nice to have,or see on the MINI. but I don’t get paid for that. next on my list cosworth head,biger t-body,injectors, and awd??? by M7? moss? getrag dirrectly? MINI?